Download 01Integrated Normal Cells of CNS

NORMAL CELLS OF CNS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lecture, you should describe the
microscopic structure and the function of:
1- Neurons:
- Cell body (perikaryon).
- Processes: An axon and dendrites.
2- Neuroglia:
-
Astrocytes.
Oligodendrocytes.
Microglia.
Ependymal cells.
Neuron
Components:
1. Cell body (Perikaryon)
2. Processes :
a. An axon: only one
b. Dendrites: one or more
TYPES OF NEURONS
Based on number of processes
1. Pseudounipolar neurons.
2. Bipolar neurons.
3. Multipolar neurons.
TYPES OF NEURONS
Based on number of processes
Axon
Has one process only, that
divides into two branches; one
acts as a dendrite and the
other as an axon.
e.g. Mesencephalic nucleus of
trigeminal nerve and dorsal
root (spinal) ganglion.
Dendrite
1. Unipolar (Pseudounipolar) neuron
(rounded neuron):
TYPES OF NEURONS
Based on number of processes
2. Bipolar Neuron (spindle-shaped neuron):
Has two processes (one arising
from each pole of the cell body).
One of them is the dendrite and
the other is the axon, e.g. retina &
olfactory epithelium.
Dendrite
TYPES OF NEURONS
Based on number of processes
3. Multipolar neuron:
Has one axon and multiple dendrites.
Types of multipolar neurons:
A. Stellate neuron:
• The commonest type.
• Distributed in most areas of CNS, e.g.
anterior horn cells of the spinal cord
TYPES OF NEURONS
Based on number of processes
B. Pyramidal neurons:
• Distributed in motor area 4 of the
cerebral cortex.
C. Pyriform neurons:
• Pear-shaped, e.g. Purkinje cells of
cerebellar cortex
CELL BODY (Perikaryon)
Structure of cell body:
1. Nucleus:
• Single, usually central,
rounded and vesicular with
prominent nucleolus.
2. Cytoplasm.
CELL BODY (Perikaryon)
Cytoplasm:
Its main components
include:
1. Nissl bodies:
Are basophilic patches of rER
and free ribosomes in the cell
body and bases of wide
dendrites.
CELL BODY (Perikaryon)
Cytoplasm:
2. Neurofilaments:
Are intermediate filaments which are bundled
together to form neurofibrils. Are found in the
cell body, axon and dendrites.
3. Microtubles:
Are found in the cell body, axon and dendrites.
4. Golgi apparatus:
Surrounds the nucleus all around.
5. Mitochondria:
Are numerous.
CELL BODY (Perikaryon)
Cytoplasm:
6. Centriole: Most adult neurons have
only one rudimentary centriole, so
they cannot divide.
7. Some fat and glycogen granules.
8. Pigments:
- Lipofuscin pigments (in old age).
- Melanin pigments (in neurons of
substantia nigra of the midbrain).
TYPES OF NERVE FIBERS IN CNS
1- Unmyelinated without neurilemmal sheath
(in grey matter).
2- Myelinated without neurilemmal sheath
(in white mater).
NEUROGLIA
Definition:
Are group of cells that act as the
supportive tissue of CNS.
Types:
1- Astrocytes.
2- Oligodendrocytes.
3- Microglia.
4- Ependyma.
1. Astrocytes
They are the commonest type
of neuroglia cells.
 They are found in both the grey
and white matter.
 They are star-shaped cells with
numerous long processes.

1. Astrocytes
Types:
1. Protoplasmic astrocytes:
– Are found in the grey matter of
CNS.
– Their processes branch
extensively.
2. Fibrous astrocytes:
– Are found in white matter of CNS.
– Their processes have fewer
branches but longer.
Functions of Astrocytes
1. Repair of injury of
CNS tissue (gliosis).
2. Supportive and
nutritive functions to
the neurons.
3. Participate in the
formation of bloodbrain barrier.
2. Oligodendrocytes


Are branching cells with few, short
processes.
They are distributed in the grey
and white matter of CNS.
Functions:
1. Formation of myelin sheath in the
CNS.
2. Insulation of nerve fibers.
3. Microglia
Are spindle-shaped cells with
branching processes raise from
each pole of the cell.
 Are distributed in the grey and
white matter of CNS.
 Are rich in lysosomes.
 Their main function is
phagocytosis.

4. Ependymal cells
Are simple columnar
epithelial cells (partially
ciliated) lining the brain
ventricles and the central
canal of spinal cord.
Summary / Key words

Neurons:
Types of neurons:
pseudounipolar
bipolar
multipolar: stellate, Pyramidal, Pyriform.
Components:
Cell body
Processes: Axon and dendrites.
Types of nerve fibers in CNS: Unmyelinated, Myelinated.
Neuroglia:
1- Astrocytes.
2- Oligodendrocytes.
3- Microglia.
4- Ependyma.
Good Luck